‘Community jewel’ wins state AARP award, $1K for Emory Valley Center

Emory Valley Center is $1,000 closer to replacing the soon-to-be demolished building that serves intellectually and developmentally disabled children and adults in East Tennessee, thanks to the “tireless” efforts of people like Gene Caldwell.

Comment

By Beverly Majors/Stff

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Beverly Majors/Stff

Posted Nov. 21, 2012 at 8:14 PM
Updated Nov 21, 2012 at 8:18 PM

By Beverly Majors/Stff

Posted Nov. 21, 2012 at 8:14 PM
Updated Nov 21, 2012 at 8:18 PM

OAK RIDGE

Emory Valley Center is $1,000 closer to replacing the soon-to-be demolished building that serves intellectually and developmentally disabled children and adults in East Tennessee, thanks to the “tireless” efforts of people like Gene Caldwell.

State Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, nominated Caldwell for the 2012 AARP Tennessee Andrus Award for Community Service, saying the retired pediatrician and former state lawmaker “has been a tireless advocate for children, seniors and the disabled, and has contributed immeasurably to his community.”

At a recent ceremony at the Emory Valley Center, Ragan called Caldwell a “spark plug in the engine that makes Emory Valley go. The award is richly deserved.”

Caldwell was one of three finalists for the award, earning him $1,000 for the charity of his choice. Caldwell knew exactly where he wanted the money to go: Emory Valley Center, which is raising money to replace the 55-year-old building that provides services, training, work and a home to hundreds of disabled children and adults.

The building will soon be torn down. Caldwell is co-chairing the center’s capital campaign with Dottie Thompson.

“This is about leaving a legacy for our most vulnerable citizens, many of whom were my patients,” Caldwell said in a news release from AARP. "To see them find identities, friendships and meaningful work changes their outlook and behavior — and it lifts a tremendous burden from the hearts of their parents.”

At the ceremony, he acknowledged the help of his longtime friend Dottie Thompson for her efforts, saying it was "a team effort."

Emory Valley Center president Jennifer Enderson said the money would be put to good use and that Caldwell deserves the AARP recognition for co-chairing the fund-raising campaign and so much more.

“Emory Valley Center is so thankful for all that Dr. Caldwell has done on behalf of the center. He is truly amazing,” she said.

Enderson said the team of Caldwell and Thompson was "an answer to our prayers. We wouldn't be here without them.

“I thank you for the legacy you're going to leave here.”

State Sen. Randy McNally said Caldwell "exemplifies what a servant-leader is," calling him a "jewel of the community."

This marks the second year that AARP has given money to charities chosen by the top three Andrus award finalists. “As someone who has known Dr. Caldwell for years and has seen the work he has done for his community and this state, it was an honor to recognize him for his commitment and passion for helping others,” said AARP Tennessee Communications Director Karin Miller, who presented the check.

Page 2 of 2 - Caldwell was among more than 30 people from across the state nominated for the AARP Tennessee Andrus Award for Community Service.

Anyone wishing to donate to the EVC Capital Campaign may mail a contribution to P.O. Box 5328, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, or go online to www.emoryvalleycenter.com.

The award is named for AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, a longtime educator who also founded a the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947.